The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company (part of Marriott International) plans to quite literally make waves in the hospitality market as it enters into luxury yachting and cruises.
Dubbed The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, the venture will bring the timeless sophistication of the brand to the sea. The initial rollout includes three cruising yachts that will set sail in the fourth quarter of 2019, making Marriott International the first to provide luxury accommodations on both land and sea.
Itineraries are under development with the intent of combining the high-end, Ritz-Carlton lifestyle with the flexibility and freedom of a yachting vacation. Voyages will range from seven to 10 days, and travel initially to destinations that include the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Designed to accommodate only 298 passengers, the smaller vessel will be able to call on atypical cruise destinations such as Capri, Italy or Cartagena, Colombia.
Each yacht will feature 149 suites for attendees, while top execs can splurge on the two, duplex penthouse suites. The onboard experience is rumored to provide the same individualized guest service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is known. That includes the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg; a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua; a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a Panorama Lounge and wine bar. Curated itineraries will also include collaborations with local chefs, musicians and artists to bring groups experiential activities onboard to complement the ones offered onshore.
Meeting planners can expect reservations to open by May 2018.
